I decided to make Kumble the captain,says Mallya

Johannesburg:

Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya said it was his decision to hand over the captaincy reins to Anil Kumble following regular skipper Kevin Pietersen's exit owing to national duty.

Under Kumble, the Bangalore team saw a change in their fortune, winning three matches on the trot, and Mallya felt his decision to appoint a new skipper has paid dividends.

"Obviously, it is my decision. As a team owner I decide. But it was no last-minute decision," Mallya said.

Enthused by the team's improved show, Mallya claimed the outfit has the potential to win the second Indian Premier League.

"All I can say is, we have the talent and determination to play well and if that takes us to winning this tournament, then I will be the happiest main in the world," said Mallya.

With three wins on the trot, the Royal Challengers are on an upward swing and Mallya felt it would be unwise to write off anyone in this format of the game.

"Don't underestimate those who are losing. Even those teams which have been winning all their games will lose as the law of averages will come into play. Yes, we lost a few matches and now we have bounced back. Now we are motivated and will try to keep the momentum going," he told the IPL's official website.

The industrialist was happy the manner in which his side decimated Mumbai Indians on Sunday.

"I think beating Mumbai by nine wickets in 18 overs and scoring 150 runs for one wicket is a great performance. I think all of us are really proud of our squad. We got everything right for the third time in a row. And this means that we can do it," Mallya said.

"We need not be demoralised by our losses in this tournament. We should think positive and move forward. I think only a great performance like this adds to another," Mallya said.

He also welcomed former captain Rahul Dravid back in the side. The former India skipper, who led the Royal Challengers last year, returned home to be by the side of his wife who gave birth to the couple's second child.

"He is probably one of the finest batsmen in the world. I am really happy that he has come back to join the squad. I really think that we needed him. I am really happy about Rahul's return and I am personally looking forward for a great contribution from him," said the liquor baron.